Paine praises Starc's control in tour game

Mitchell Starc has produced a timely reminder of why his nickname is 'The Mop' in Derby but it was the express paceman's new-ball spell that impressed Tim Paine the most on day one of the Ashes tour game.

Starc, renowned for his ability to clean up tails, was sorely missed during Sunday's epic last-wicket partnership between Ben Stokes and Jack Leach that ensured England levelled the five-Test series.

The left-armer remains in the mix for a recall for the fourth Test, which starts at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The Manchester venue is renowned for being among the more batsman-friendly pitches in the country, which may count in Starc's favour in the selection debate.

A short turnaround between the fourth and fifth Tests will help ensure Starc is considered for a series-finale recall, should he be overlooked yet again.

Starc snared 3-46 from 16 overs to help bowl Derbyshire out for 172 on Thursday, when Michael Neser claimed 3-31 from 11 overs.

Starc's wickets all came in the 47th over of the innings, when he fired out No.7 Matthew Critchley and No.8 Alfie Gleadall with consecutive deliveries then made a mess of No.9 Tony Palladino's stumps.

Paine, who is sitting out the match but was an interested onlooker, suggested the left-armer also deserved credit for his work with the new ball.